The history of Alzheimer's research spans over a century,
characterized by significant milestones in understanding the disease's causes,
symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Here's an overview of key events in
Alzheimer's research history:
1. Early
20th Century: Discovery of Alzheimer's Disease
·
In 1906, German psychiatrist and neurologist
Alois Alzheimer identified a new neurological disorder in a patient named
Auguste Deter. He presented his findings at a medical conference, describing
the patient's symptoms of memory loss, language problems, and unusual behavior.
·
Alzheimer examined Deter's brain after her death
and observed abnormal clumps and tangles of protein in her brain tissue, which
are now recognized as hallmarks of the disease.
·
Scientists recognize Dr. Alzheimer not only for
his groundbreaking characterization of a major disease but also as a role
model. He set a new standard for understanding neurodegenerative disorders by
establishing a close clinical relationship with his patients and using new
scientific tools to determine how symptoms related to physical brain changes.
·
In 1910, Emil Kraepelin, a German psychiatrist
who worked with Dr. Alzheimer, first names "Alzheimer's Disease" in
the eighth edition of his book Psychiatrie.
·
In 1931, Germans Max Knoll and Ernst Ruska
co-invent the electron microscope, which can magnify up to 1 million times. It
is not until after WWII that the electron microscope becomes common in major
research settings, enabling scientists to study brain cells in more detail.
2. 1960s
- 1970s: Identification of Beta-Amyloid and Tau
·
In the 1960s and 1970s, researchers discovered
that the plaques found in Alzheimer's brains are primarily composed of
beta-amyloid protein aggregates, while neurofibrillary tangles are made up of
tau protein.
·
The "amyloid hypothesis" gained
traction, suggesting that the accumulation of beta-amyloid is a key factor in
the development of Alzheimer's.
·
In 1976, Neurologist Robert Katzman identifies
Alzheimer's disease as the most common cause of dementia and a major public
health challenge in his editorial published in Archives of Neurology.
3. 1980s
- 1990s: Genetic Insights
·
The discovery of genetic mutations linked to
early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease in the 1980s and 1990s provided
critical insights into the disease's genetic basis.
·
In 1984, Researchers George Glenner and Cai'ne
Wong report identification of "a novel cerebrovascular amyloid
protein," known as beta-amyloid — the chief component of Alzheimer's brain
plaques and a prime suspect in triggering nerve cell damage.
·
In 1986, Researchers discover that tau protein
is a key component of tangles — the second pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's
disease and another prime suspect in nerve cell degeneration.
·
In 1987, researchers identify the first gene
associated with rare, inherited forms of Alzheimer's disease. This gene on
chromosome 21 codes amyloid precursor protein (APP), the parent molecule from
which beta-amyloid is formed. Chromosome 21 is also the chromosome of which
those with Down syndrome have three copies rather than two. Many individuals
with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer's disease, often as young as their 30s and
40s.
·
In 1993, researchers identify APOE-e4, a form of
the apolipoprotein-E (APOE) gene on chromosome 19, as the first gene that
raises risk for Alzheimer's but does not determine that a person who has it
will develop the disease.
4. 2000s:
Advances in Imaging and Biomarkers
·
The development of brain imaging techniques,
such as positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), allowed researchers to visualize amyloid plaques and other brain changes
associated with Alzheimer's in living individuals.
·
Researchers also worked on identifying
biomarkers (biological indicators) that could help with early diagnosis and
tracking disease progression.
5. 2010s:
Increasing Focus on Early Detection and Treatment
·
Research increasingly emphasized the importance
of early detection and intervention to potentially slow or prevent the
progression of Alzheimer's.
·
In 2010, The Alzheimer's Association and its
partners in the Coalition Against Major Diseases (CAMD) released a first-of-its
kind database of 4,000 patients who participated in 11 pharmaceutical
industry-sponsored clinical trials of Alzheimer's treatments. The combined
data, accessible to any qualified researcher, will offer unprecedented power to
understand the course of Alzheimer's.
·
New drug candidates aimed at targeting
beta-amyloid and tau were developed, though clinical trials often faced
challenges and mixed results.
6. Recent
Advances and Challenges: Current State of Research (Up to September 2021)
·
By 2021, the field had seen both successes and
setbacks in clinical trials for Alzheimer's drugs. Some promising treatments
were being explored, including those targeting beta-amyloid and tau, as well as
anti-inflammatory and other approaches.
·
Advances in understanding the complex interplay
of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors were providing a more
comprehensive picture of the disease's development.
Sources and Additional Information:
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/milestones
https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/article/history-alzheimers-disease
https://canohealth.com/news/blog/history-of-alzheimers-disease/
